You’re moving. And not just across town or to a nearby city — you’re moving across state lines, which adds another level of complexity to the transition. From packing up your household and shopping for a new home or home builder to finding a mover and making new friends, moving to a different state requires time, planning and patience.
Many Gateway clients relocate to Wyoming from other states in search of a lower cost of living, open spaces and a better quality of life. If you are starting a new chapter in your life with a move to Cheyenne or another part of the country, we hope the process will be a bit easier with our out-of-state move checklist!
Tips on Moving to Another State
A long-distance move generally requires several weeks of planning and preparation. Here are some essential tasks to consider to make your move less stressful.
Do Your Research
If you have received a tempting job offer or you simply feel drawn to new scenery, start by researching the prospective community online. Average temperatures, weather (and the related cost of heating and cooling bills), school districts and likelihood of natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes and tornadoes can have a major impact on your decision. Also research the cost of living to see how far your money will go when it comes to housing, income and property taxes, transportation, etc.
Visit Your Destination
Before committing to a move, it’s highly recommended to make at least one visit to your potential new home. This gives you the opportunity to get a feel for the location and its neighborhoods, schools and amenities, and can go a long way in determining if the move makes sense for your family. The local visitor center is typically an excellent resource for maps, business brochures and tips on area hotspots. This is also a prime opportunity to check out local real estate and research home builders if you plan to build or buy a new construction home.
Finalize Employment Offers
If you’ve done the research and determined you are ready to relocate, put together a plan. If you are moving for a job, become familiar with company policy on switching offices, working remotely (if applicable) and relocation assistance. Get documentation of formal acceptance of a job offer by both yourself and your employer. Determine when you will need to report for work at the new location and create a reasonable timeline that keeps your move on track. If you are retiring or moving without a job lined up, it’s never too early to begin looking for new employment or volunteer opportunities.
Create a Moving Binder
This is the place to keep all paperwork related to your move. Look into how much it will cost to rent a moving truck or hire a professional mover (if your employer will not cover the cost of relocation). You may also need to purchase moving supplies, reserve plane tickets and hotel accommodations, and pay for other expenses related to the move. Once you have estimates for the large moving expenses, plan a moving budget. You’ll also want to compile documents related to changing your address, utilities, school enrollment, pets and more.
Find a Place to Live
If you want to purchase a home in the new city, find a reputable local realtor to show you properties in your choice of neighborhoods. An experienced real estate agent will be able to guide you in the home buying process, including educating you about the local market, recommending a qualified home builder (if buying new), pinpointing the best homes in your price range and handling paperwork to prevent delays that could interfere with a smooth move. Use Realtor.com’s agent finder tool to connect with agents who are active in the community.
Make a Packing Plan
If you aren’t using the services of moving professionals, determine when and how you will pack — and give yourself plenty of time to get the job done! Experts recommend packing non-essentials that are not needed in the weeks leading up to a move, such as books and home décor. Kitchen items, electronics and other essentials should be packed last. To make packing easier, sort your things first so you don’t move belongings you don’t want. Keep a box of essential items (important documents, jewelry, toiletries, snacks, pet food) with you during the trip so you don’t have to dig through boxes when you get to your new place.
Be a Good Neighbor
An unfamiliar environment with new people can feel uncomfortable at first, so think about how you’re going to connect with those around you. Introducing yourself to your neighbors and asking questions about your new town is a great way to break the ice. Make an effort to participate in group-oriented hobbies, attend community events, join a local church congregation and/or connect with coworkers to make friends in your new city.
In Need of the Best Local Home Builder?
If a move to southeast Wyoming and a new home are in your future, Gateway would be proud to serve as your home builder of choice. Our team offers more than two decades of construction experience and prioritizes complete communication during the building process to give our out-of-state clients peace of mind. Contact us today at (307) 632-8950 or submit our online contact form to discuss your future home. If you are searching for a quality move-in ready home, we also have a limited amount of completed inventory.
For the latest happenings, follow Gateway on social media including Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn. We also invite you to view the videos on our YouTube channel!
